A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR ANTOINETTE SPICER O’FERRALL

Antoinette Spicer O’Ferrall or “Sweetheart,” as we knew her, was the first child born to the union of Lydia “Lillian” Kemp and Spencer Spicer in Overtown on March 18, 1937. Her French name, denoting “praise,” was an early manifestation of her melodic gift of voice to sing praises to Almighty God for the great things that He would bestow upon her earthly sojourn.

Two years after she was born, her mother gave birth to her beautiful baby sister, Carolyn, and shortly thereafter, her brother William (Billy).

Antoinette was born into a blended family with Episcopal traditions. She enjoyed attending Sunday Mass at The Historic Saint Agnes’ Episcopal Church with her older siblings—Gloria, Millicent, Josephine, and Oliver.

Antoinette excelled academically at Dunbar Elementary and Booker T. Washington Sr. High School. Her mother’s Bahamian lessons supplemented her schoolwork. The mantra, “Strive to be the best you can be” was expected and demanded, as well as cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing.

Antoinette mastered standard English and studied opera in high school earning a scholarship to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her Master's in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Guided by her family's faith and wisdom, Antoinette developed a passion for the arts and leadership skills through school recitals and church choirs. Her drive for excellence led her to a career in education, where she inspired students with her warmth, discipline, and creativity, creating an environment that encouraged growth and achievement.

She taught for 43 years at Orchard Villa Elementary School and Kelsey Pharr Elementary. As an outstanding educator, Antoinette was selected by her peers and administrators as Teacher of the Year for 3 years during her career.

The happiest day of her life was the day she gave birth to her wonderful son, Marc! Antoinette glowed with abundant joy at Marc’s first steps as she nurtured him to become an “educated and productive man” amongst men; she loved her endearing son Marc until the day her Master called her to “His Heavenly Home”! She used strict discipline while raising him as a single parent.

Antoinette was a God-fearing woman filled with kindness and compassion. She was also known as a no-nonsense woman with quick wit, and you never had to second guess what was on “Sweetheart’s” mind because she would let it be known, however, she would always follow-up with a “I still love you”!

Antoinette is the last surviving sibling of her generation, preceded in death by Carolyn Mond, William (Billy) Spicer, Millicent Spicer Wilson, Gloria Spicer Lacey, Josephine Spicer Poitier, and Oliver Spicer.

Antoinette is survived by her son Marc, her grandchildren Ashley, Monique, and Justin, her great-grandchildren Hendrix and Marc-Andrew, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and a longtime friend, Ms. Delores Brown.

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